Its three first class beaches, spectacular sunsets and rich history keep visitors returning again and again.

This county seat of Huron County was founded by William “Tiger” Dunlop in 1827, first laid out in 1828 as a town which became incorporated in 1850. The town is named after Frederick John Robinson, 1st Viscount Goderich, British Prime Minister at the time.

Goderich has a population of 8,000 and sits on 7.91 square kilometers. It borders the shores of Lake Huron and Sifto Canada operates a salt mine underneath the harbor extending five miles under the lake. This is the largest salt mine in the world.

During World War 11 their airport was the site of an elementary flight training school as part of the British Commonwealth training plan.

Among other notables Goderich is the home of Father David Bauer an influential Canadian amateur hockey organizer and coach. It is also the home of Katie Durst, Canadian idol top 10.

Into this setting, and down the street, came the band of the Salvation Army. First stop for the week-end was at the location for the opening of the Thrift Store.

This lovely facility which includes family services offices was designed to match the adjoining citadel which has been changed from a former car dealership into a most lovely and functional Salvation Army church.

For the opening Jubilee Brass provided appropriate hymn tune selections prior to the official opening where representatives from Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments brought greetings along with the Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Alf Richardson.

The ribbon was cut, the doors were opened and a good time of shopping in the beautifully appointed store was had by all, both the inquisitive and thrifty alike. The venue for the Saturday evening program was the nearby Bethel Pentecostal Church whose pastor invited the ‘army’ to use their facilities for this week-end to celebrate 125 years of service to the community.

The band began the program with Bill Gordon’s Processional “Be Glorified” under the direction of our beloved bandmaster Jim Gordon and, following welcome and introductions by the corps officers Captains Tim and Krista Andrews, the band presented their numbers in pairs.

The first pair consisted of a brilliant rendition of Leidzen’s cornet solo “Tucker” by principal cornetist Major Gary Venables. The Major is a master in dynamics and brings new meaning to musical terms such as p and pp. This was followed by Len Ballantine’s “Mid all the traffic”.

The Suncoast Salvationists displayed great dramatic flair as they presented “Down the Street” from the old Gowens and Larson musical. Captain Tim Andrews was masterful in his role as light fingered Freddy. The band provided an instrumental accompaniment. They even brought out some of the old bonnets for authenticity.

Two further band items presented were the Air Varie "Sunshine” (P. Merritt) and the lovely trombone solo “Jesus loves you and me” played by our principal trombonist Tom Quick. The latter being an arrangement by Jon Pittock the band’s euphonium player who was unable to be present due to ill health.

Captain Krista Andrews absolutely wowed the crowd with her rendition of an “Army cup of tea”, again from a musical. Those of us present could not remember ever seeing a better presentation of this item. It was delightful. Following a short intermission the corps presented a very interesting media reflection of the 125 year history of this corps.

Band Sergeant Jack Bernard followed with the ever popular ‘Amazing grace” on the bagpipes. This is a Len Ballantine arrangement. The band then featured the George Marshall composition of “Great and Glorious” This was published in 1934 and demands a very careful read by the band especially in the area of dynamics.

The Suncoast songsters delighted the crowd with a lovely arrangement by Thomas Mack of “He leadeth me”. This is not a large brigade but very tuneful and clear in diction.
Following a short devotional by the week-end guest Major Walter Clarke (former corps officer) the band concluded their presentations with the lovely devotional number “In His presence” by our own EEb bass player Ray Brooks.

On Sunday the band presented a prelude to the morning service with the march “Amsterdam Congress(Skinner), the chorus arrangement “Be still for the presence of the Lord”(Evans/Blyth) and two vocals “Redeemed”(Crosby/Butler) and “In me” (Read/M Bearcroft/Mack).

The band vocals led by bandsman George Holmes are always a positive feature of the bands presentations. Something that we have never witnessed before was the taking up of two offerings during the morning worship service. Since the Bethel Pentecostal church members were joining with us we had an offering from their congregation then followed by one from the army congregation.

The band’s presentation was Rawlins “Channels of Blessing” conducted by the deputy B/M Merv Leach. Major Walter Clarke challenged us with a message titled “What’s in your hand?”

This was based on the rod in the hand of Moses which God used to perform miraculous functions for the Israelites in Egypt and subsequently during their journey in the wilderness. He reminded us that “little is much in the hands of the Lord”. We were challenged to offer up to God all that we have and all that we are.

Many in attendance took the opportunity to kneel or stand as a display of new commitments for the future. Jubilee Brass left Goderich and the Suncoast Corps with nothing but praise for the arrangements of the week-end.

This Corps is in good hands under the dynamic, enthusiastic and most competent leadership of these young Captains, Tim and Krista Andrews. Their enthusiasm is so infectious.